Boone boys topple conference leader

By Andrew Logue

Wednesday

Jan 24, 2018 at 12:01 AM

Confidence is soaring among the Boone boys’ basketball players, and it’s resulted in a steady climb up the Raccoon River Conference standings.

“We want to figure out how to keep getting better,” Toreadors coach Justin Baute said. “We believe if we can keep competing we can still get towards that goal of finishing in the top three of the conference.”

Baute’s bunch took a significant step in that direction last Friday by beating RRC leader Winterset 63-58.

It was the Toreadors sixth win in seven games and moved their record to 7-6 on the season.

“For the most part, it’s a good boost and good proof that we are working on the right things,” Baute said. “And when we do the things that we really want to do, we can play with anybody in our conference.

“Also, it’s a good reinforcement for us that when we do things the right way, good things can happen.”

Boone started hot against Winterset, racing to a 10-0 lead and hitting seven 3-pointers in the first half.

Five Toreadors scored at least 8 points, led by Trevor Van Pelt’s 17. John Herrick finished with 13 points and five rebounds.

Tyler Casotti came off the bench and contributed 10 points.

“We thought we had a little bit more potential in that area at the beginning of the year than (how) we started playing,” Baute said of Boone’s deep scoring options. “I think we’re starting to get kids with more confidence and comfort out there playing at that level.”

The Toreadors led 35-29 at halftime, and spent the rest of the night fending off a Winterset rally.

“Played just good enough defense the second half to hold on to win,” Baute said.

Boone, which once stood 0-4, will try to avenge an earlier loss to Carlisle this Friday, in a home rematch.

“The goal is always to play your best basketball at the right time,” Baute said. “We mentioned in the locker room after the (Winterset) game that we obviously don’t want what happened last Friday night to be the highlight of the season.”

The Toreadors hope to continue their progress toward a possible postseason run on February.

“A lot of District play depends on who you get to play (against) and stuff like that,” Baute said, “but we’d still love to win postseason games and advance as far as we can in the tournament.”